Garden of the Gods

Venture on over to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs for a beautiful outing! These sandstone rocks formed millions of years ago and originally lay flat. Due to erosion and upheavals in the earth’s surface, these rock wonders now stand tall.

The Garden of the Gods got its name in 1859 when a young man said it was, “a place fit for the Gods to assemble”.

The park itself is open:

May 1- October 21: 5am-11pm

November 1- April 30: 5am-9pm

There are many activities to choose from:

• Hiking
• Photography
• Nature Center
• Jeep, Segway & Trolley Tours
• Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
• Rock Climbing
• Biking
• Horseback Riding
• Bird Watching
• Guided Walks

And more!

Rock Ledge Ranch is open during the summer and takes you back in time to see how people lived during different time periods in the Pikes Peak Region.

Open: June to Labor Day

Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Dogs are welcome in the park on a leash! There is also a designated area where dogs can run off leash. Of course, you are required to pick up after your animal.

For active folks who love hiking, there are 15 miles of trails to explore in the Garden of the Gods.

• Start at the North main parking lot of the Garden of the Gods Park for the PERKINS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL. This is an easy, 1 1/2 mile roundtrip over a concrete foot path, with less than a 30 foot rise in elevation. Wheelchair and stroller accessible, this loop is in the heart of the Park at the base of the highest rock formations.
• Other great trails include RIDGE TRAIL, a moderate, 1/2 mile loop, with less than 100 foot rise in elevation. This path gives you the feeling of being among the rocks.
• SIAMESE TWINS TRAIL is an easy 1 mile roundtrip, with less than a 150 foot rise. There is a unique view of Pikes Peak through the natural window of the twins.
• CHAMBERS/BRETAG/PALMER TRAIL is a moderate, 3 mile hike with less than a 250 foot rise. Nearly circling the entire Park, this trail covers rolling, rocky terrain away from the traffic.
• SCOTSMAN/BUCKSKIN CHARLIE TRAIL is a moderate trail that loops through the Park. Enjoy the distant views of the Central Garden formations from these rolling, rocky trails.

For a complete list of trails in the Park, pick up a full color map at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.

The Visitor and Nature Center is located across from the park at 1805 N. 30th Street and is open 9am-5pm. Learn about these geological formations–how they formed, what they are made of, and how they are being preserved. Information is also available about local wildlife. A coffee shop and gift shop are also located inside.